Mobile Performance System

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a mobile performance system, and methods of making and using such a mobile performance system, whereby the mobile performance system includes: a frame; a front wheel coupled to the frame proximate a frame front end; a pair of rear wheels coupled to the frame proximate a frame rear end; a drive mechanism coupled to the frame, the drive mechanism operable to drive travel of the mobile performance system along a travel path; a steering assembly coupled to the frame, the steering assembly operable to steer the mobile performance system along the travel path; and a platform coupled to the frame, the platform adapted to support a performer performing a performance while the mobile performance system travels along the travel path.

This U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/272,872 filed Dec. 30, 2015,hereby incorporated by reference herein.

I. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can be toprovide a mobile performance system, and methods of making and usingsuch a mobile performance system, whereby the mobile performance systemincludes: a frame; a front wheel coupled to the frame proximate a framefront end; a pair of rear wheels coupled to the frame proximate a framerear end; a drive mechanism coupled to the frame, the drive mechanismoperable to drive travel of the mobile performance system along a travelpath; a steering assembly coupled to the frame, the steering assemblyoperable to steer the mobile performance system along the travel path;and a platform coupled to the frame, the platform adapted to support aperformer performing a performance while the mobile performance systemtravels along the travel path.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughoutother areas of the specification, drawings, and claims.

II. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a method of using a particular embodimentthe inventive mobile performance system.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of the inventivemobile performance system.

FIG. 3 is a first side view of the particular embodiment of theinventive mobile performance system shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a second side view of the particular embodiment of theinventive mobile performance system shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the particular embodiment of the inventivemobile performance system shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the particular embodiment of the inventivemobile performance system shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the particular embodiment of the inventivemobile performance system shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the particular embodiment of the inventivemobile performance system shown in FIG. 2.

III. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1, which illustrates a method of using aparticular embodiment of a mobile performance system (1) to provide amobile performance, whereby the mobile performance system (1) includes aframe (2); a front wheel (3) coupled to the frame (2) proximate a framefront end (4); a pair of rear wheels (5) coupled to the frame (2)proximate a frame rear end (6); a drive mechanism (7) coupled to theframe (2), the drive mechanism (7) operable to drive travel of themobile performance system (1) along a travel path (8); a steeringassembly (9) coupled to the frame (2), the steering assembly (9)operable to steer the mobile performance system (1) along the travelpath (8); and a platform (10) coupled to the frame (2), the platform(10) adapted to support a performer (11) performing a performance whilethe mobile performance system (1) travels in the travel path (8). Themethod of providing the mobile performance includes supporting theperformer (11) performing the performance with the mobile performancesystem (1), and traveling along the travel path (8) while theperformance is performed by the performer (11).

For the purposes of this invention, the term “platform” means asupportive surface elevated in relation to a ground surface.

For the purposes of this invention, the term “performance” means anexecution of an action. As to particular embodiments, the action can beexecuted (or performed) for the purpose of entertainment.

For the purposes of this invention, the term “performer” means anexecuter of an action. As to particular embodiments, the executer canexecute the action (or the performer (11) can perform the performance)for the purpose of entertainment.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2 through FIG. 8, the mobile performancesystem (1) includes a frame (2), a front wheel (3) coupled to the frame(2) proximate the frame front end (4), and a pair of rear wheels (5)coupled to the frame (2) proximate a frame rear end (6), whereby thepair of rear wheels (5) dispose in spaced apart relation.

Although the particular embodiments of the invention shown in theFigures depict a mobile performance system (1) having one front wheel(3) and one pair of rear wheels (5), the invention need not be solimited, as particular embodiments of the mobile performance system (1)can have any number of front wheels (3) and any number of rear wheels(5), depending upon the application, whereby the front and rear wheels(3)(5) facilitate travel of the mobile performance system (1) along thetravel path (8).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 2 through FIG. 8, the mobileperformance system (1) further includes a drive mechanism (7) coupled tothe frame (2), whereby the drive mechanism (7) is operable to driverotation of the front wheel (3) and the pair of rear wheels (5),consequently driving travel of the mobile performance system (1) alongthe travel path (8).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1, the drive mechanism (7) can beoperated by a driver (12), which can be an automatic driver (not shown),a manual driver (13), or combinations thereof, depending upon theapplication.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “automatic” meansdone by a machine, such as an electrically-powered machine.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “manual” means doneby a body, such as a human body.

As to particular embodiments of the mobile performance system (1) havinga drive mechanism (7) operated by an automatic driver (not shown), thedrive mechanism (7) can include a drive shaft operatively coupled to atransmission and a motor, for example an electric motor.

Again referring primarily to FIG. 1, as to particular embodiments of themobile performance system (1) having a drive mechanism (7) operated by amanual driver (13), the drive mechanism (7) can include at least onechainring (14) rotatably coupled to the frame (2) between the framefronts and rear ends (4)(6), and a chain (15) coupled between thechainring (14) and the pair of rear wheels (5), whereby rotation of thechainring (14) drives rotation of the pair of rear wheels (5) via thechain (15) to drive travel of the mobile performance system (1) alongthe travel path (8).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2 through FIG. 8, a pair of opposingpedals (16) can be coupled to the chainring (14) via a correspondingpair of opposing crank arms (17) to facilitate driving rotation of thechainring (14) by the manual driver (13), such as a human.

Again referring primarily to FIG. 2 through FIG. 8, the mobileperformance system (1) further includes a steering assembly (9) coupledto the frame (2), whereby the steering assembly (9) is operable to steerthe mobile performance system (1) along the travel path (8).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1, the steering assembly (9) can beoperated by a steerer (18), which can be an automatic steerer (notshown), a manual steerer (19), or combinations thereof, depending uponthe application.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2 through FIG. 8, as to particularembodiments of the mobile performance system (1) having a steeringassembly (9) operated by a manual steerer (19), the steering assembly(9) can include a steering fork (20) pivotally coupled to the frame (2)proximate the frame front end (4). Further, the steering fork (20) canbe fixedly coupled to the front wheel (3), whereby pivoting of thesteering fork (20) pivots the front wheel (3) about a pivot axis (21) tosteer the mobile performance system (1) along the travel path (8).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 2 through FIG. 8, a handlebar (22) canbe coupled to the steering fork (20) opposite the front wheel (3) tofacilitate steering of the mobile performance system (1) along thetravel path (8) by the manual steerer (19), such as a human.

Again referring primarily to FIG. 2 through FIG. 8, the mobileperformance system (1) can, but need not necessarily, further include abraking assembly (23), which is operable to arrest travel of the mobileperformance system (1).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 1, the braking assembly (23) can beoperated by a braker (24), which can be an automatic braker (not shown),a manual braker (25), or combinations thereof, depending upon theapplication.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2 through FIG. 8, as to particularembodiments of the mobile performance system (1) having a brakingassembly (23) operated by a manual braker (25), the braking assembly(23) can be coupled to at least one wheel (3)(5) and can include brakes(26) which operate via friction upon reception of a braking signalgenerated by the manual braker (25), such as a human.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2 through FIG. 8, as to particularembodiments of the mobile performance system (1) having at least one ofa drive mechanism (7) operated by a manual driver (13), a steeringassembly (9) operated by a manual steerer (19), or a braking assembly(23) operated by a manual braker (25), the mobile performance system (1)can, but need not necessarily, further include a seat element (27)coupled to the frame (2), whereby the seat element (27) is configured tosupport the manual driver (13), the manual steerer (19), the manualbraker (25), or combinations thereof, when correspondingly driving orsteering the mobile performance system (1) along the travel path (8) orarresting the mobile performance system (1).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 2 through FIG. 8, the mobileperformance system (1) further includes a platform (10) coupled to theframe (2), whereby the platform (10) is adapted to support a performer(11) performing a performance while the mobile performance system (1)travels along the travel path (8). As to particular embodiments, theplatform (10) can be coupled to the frame (2) proximate the frame rearend (6), for example between the pair of rear wheels (5).

The platform (10) can be bounded by a platform periphery (28) which candefine any of a numerous and wide variety of configurations of varyingdimensions, depending upon the application. As shown in the examples ofthe Figures, the platform periphery (28) can be generally rectangular;however the invention need not be so limited. As additional illustrativeexamples, the platform periphery (28) can be configured as a circle, anoval, an ellipse, a triangle, a square, a trapezoid, a polygon, afreeform configuration, or the like, or combinations thereof, dependingupon the desired shape of the platform (10).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 2 through FIG. 8, the platform (10)can include a platform upper surface (29) which is typically, but notnecessarily, substantially planar, on which the performance can beperformed by the performer (11). As to particular embodiments, theplatform (10) can be configured such that the platform upper surface(29) can support one or more performance components (30) weighing up toabout 1000 pounds (about 0.5 tons), whereby performance components (30)can include, as illustrative examples, the performer (11); an instrument(31), such as a musical instrument (32), used by the performer (11)during the performance; or the like; or combinations thereof.

Again referring primarily to FIG. 2 through FIG. 8, the platform (10)can, but need not necessarily, further be bound by at least one platformwall (33) which upwardly extends from the platform upper surface (29).As but one illustrative example, a platform (10) having a generallyrectangular platform periphery (28) can be bound by four platform walls(33), each of which at least partially bounds one of the four sides ofthe generally rectangular platform periphery (28).

Again referring primarily to FIG. 2 through FIG. 8, the platform (10)can, but need not necessarily, further include at least one supportelement (34) coupled to the platform upper surface (29), whereby thesupport element (34) is configured to support a performance component(30), such as the performer (11), the musical instrument (32) used bythe performer (11) during the performance, or the like, or combinationsthereof.

As but one illustrative example, a support element (34) can beconfigured as a performer support element (35), which can have asubstantially planar surface adapted for supporting a performer (11) andparticularly, for supporting a performer (11) in a seated position, thusallowing the performer (11) to dispose in a seated position during theperformance.

As but a second illustrative example, a support element (34) can beconfigured as a musical instrument support element (36), such as amusical instrument support element (36) configured to have asubstantially planar surface adapted for supporting a keyboard (37)played by a performer (11) during the performance.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 4, the mobile performance system (1)can, but need not necessarily, further include at least one acousticamplifier (38) coupled to the platform (10), whereby the acousticamplifier (38) is configured to amplify sound waves generated by theperformer (11) during the performance.

Again referring primarily to FIG. 4, the mobile performance system (1)can, but need not necessarily, further include at least one visualdisplay element (39) coupled to the platform (10), whereby the visualdisplay element (39) is configured to display a visual image (40).

As but one illustrative example, a first visual display element (41) canbe coupled to the platform (10) proximate a platform first side (42) anda second visual display element (43) can be coupled to the platform (10)proximate a platform rear end (44); however, the visual display element(39) need not be limited to these locations.

As to particular embodiments, the visual display element (39) can beconfigured to display a visual image (40) associated with theperformance. As but one illustrative example, the visual display element(39) can be configured to display a visual image (40) comprising anadvertisement. As to particular embodiments, the advertisement canprovide information regarding subsequent performances by the performer(11).

As to particular embodiments, the visual image (40) can be an unchangingor static visual image (40).

As to particular embodiments, the visual display element (39) can beconfigured as an electronic visual display (45), such as aliquid-crystal display (LCD) or a light-emitting diode (LED) display.

As to particular embodiments, the electronic visual display (45) candisplay a changing visual image (40), which is in contrast to anunchanging or static visual image (40), whereby the changing visualimage (40) can be comprised of a plurality of serially-presented visualimages (40), such as a series of visual images (40) which may in part orentirely form a motion picture or an animation.

As to particular embodiments, the mobile performance system (1) can, butneed not necessarily, further include additional components, such aslighting elements, image capture elements (for example a camera or videorecorder), a global positioning system (GPS), or any other componentwhich can be associated with the mobile performance system (1),including the performance performed by the performer (11).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 7, the mobile performance system (1)can, but need not necessarily, further include a controller (46)operatively coupled to one or more components of the mobile performancesystem (1), whereby the controller (46) can control the components ofthe mobile performance system (1). As non-limiting examples, thecontroller (46) can include computer means (47), networking means (48),and computer-readable media (49) which can be utilized to provide acomputer-implemented application program to control the components ofthe mobile performance system (1).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 6, the mobile performance system (1)can, but need not necessarily, further include a power source (50)operatively coupled to one or more components of the mobile performancesystem (1), whereby the power source (50) can supply power to thecomponents of the mobile performance system (1). As non-limitingexamples, the power source (50) can supply power to one or more of: adrive mechanism (7) operated by an automatic driver, a steering assembly(9) operated by an automatic steerer, a braking assembly (23) operatedby an automatic braker, a performance component (30) such as an electricmusical instrument (32) (such as an electric keyboard (36), an electricguitar, electronic drums, etc.), an acoustic amplifier (38), anelectronic visual display (45), a controller (46), or additionalcomponents as described above.

As but one illustrative example, the power source (50) can include abattery or a generator, which, as to particular embodiments, canelectrically couple to elements such as a breaker, an inverter, a powerdistribution strip, a charging port, etc.

A method of making a mobile performance system (1) includes providing aframe (2); coupling a front wheel (3) to the frame (2) proximate a framefront end (4); coupling a pair of rear wheels (5) to the frame (2)proximate a frame rear end (6); coupling a drive mechanism (7) to theframe (2), the drive mechanism (7) operable to drive travel of themobile performance system (1) along a travel path (8); coupling asteering assembly (9) to the frame (2), the steering assembly (9)operable to steer the mobile performance system (1) along the travelpath (8); and coupling a platform (10) to the frame (2), the platform(10) adapted to support a performer (11) performing a performance whilethe mobile performance system (1) travels along the travel path (8).

The method of making the mobile performance system (1) can furtherinclude providing additional components of the mobile performance system(1) as described above and in the claims.

The mobile performance system (1) or components of the mobileperformance system (1) can be made from any of a numerous and widevariety of materials, depending upon the application. As but oneillustrative example, the frame (2) of the mobile performance system (1)can be made from a generally rigid material, such as metal, and theplatform (10) can be made from a generally rigid material, such asmetal, wood, plastic, etc.

The mobile performance system (1) or components of the mobileperformance system (1) can be made from by any of a numerous and widevariety of processes, such as press molding, injection molding,fabrication, machining, printing, additive printing, or the like, orcombinations thereof, depending upon the application.

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts ofthe present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. Theinvention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a mobileperformance system and methods for making and using such mobileperformance systems, including the best mode.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the inventiondisclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tablesaccompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, butrather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments genericallyencompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect toany particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description ofa single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitlydescribe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives areimplicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each stepof a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Suchterms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitlybroad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example,it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed asan action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causesthat action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed asthe physical element or the action which that physical elementfacilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a “support” should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of the act of “supporting”—whetherexplicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectivelydisclosure of the act of “supporting”, such a disclosure should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of a “support” and even a “means forsupporting”. Such alternative terms for each element or step are to beunderstood to be explicitly included in the description.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unlessits utilization in this application is inconsistent with suchinterpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to beincluded in the description for each term as contained in the RandomHouse Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definitionhereby incorporated by reference.

All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term“about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of thepresent invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” oneparticular value to “about” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueto the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges byendpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. Anumerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of theantecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular valueforms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a rangeof numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalentto the recited numeric value or having the same function or result.Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means largely, but not wholly,the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have arange of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art wouldconsider as having the same function or result. When a particularelement is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent“substantially,” it will be understood that the particular element formsanother embodiment.

Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “a” or“an” entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwiselimited. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at leastone” can be used interchangeably herein.

Further, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “coupled”or derivatives thereof can mean indirectly coupled, coupled, directlycoupled, connected, directly connected, or integrated with, dependingupon the embodiment.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) eachof the mobile performance systems herein disclosed and described, ii)the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent,and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv)those alternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functionsshown, disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methodswhich accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit toaccomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature,component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii)the applications enhanced by the various systems or componentsdisclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems orcomponents, ix) methods and apparatuses substantially as describedhereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, x)the various combinations and permutations of each of the previouselements disclosed.

The background section of this patent application, if any, provides astatement of the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. Thissection may also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain UnitedStates patents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter ofthe claimed invention useful in relating information, problems, orconcerns about the state of technology to which the invention is drawntoward. It is not intended that any United States patent, patentapplication, publication, statement or other information cited orincorporated herein be interpreted, construed or deemed to be admittedas prior art with respect to the invention.

The claims set forth in this specification are hereby incorporated byreference as part of this description of the invention, and theapplicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion ofsuch incorporated content of such claims as additional description tosupport any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof,and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move anyportion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or anyelement or component thereof from the description into the claims orvice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection issought by this application or by any subsequent application orcontinuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, orto obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to complywith the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty,and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during theentire pendency of this application including any subsequentcontinuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof orany reissue or extension thereon.

Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification are furtherintended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number of thepreferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed asthe broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing ofembodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does notwaive any right to develop further claims based upon the description setforth above as a part of any continuation, division, orcontinuation-in-part, or similar application.

1. A method of providing a mobile performance, comprising: supporting aperformer performing a performance with a mobile performance systemcomprising: a frame; a front wheel coupled to said frame proximate aframe front end; a pair of rear wheels coupled to said frame proximate aframe rear end; a drive mechanism coupled to said frame, said drivemechanism operable to drive travel of said mobile performance systemalong a travel path; a steering assembly coupled to said frame, saidsteering assembly operable to steer said mobile performance system alongsaid travel path; and a platform coupled to said frame, said platformadapted to support said performer performing said performance while saidmobile performance system travels along said travel path; and travelingalong said travel path while said performance is performed by saidperformer.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising operating saiddrive mechanism to drive travel of said mobile performance system alongsaid travel path.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising manuallyoperating said drive mechanism to drive travel of said mobileperformance system along said travel path.
 4. The method of claim 3,further comprising manually operating said drive mechanism to driverotation of said pair of rear wheels via a chain coupled between achainring and said pair of rear wheels to drive travel of said mobileperformance system along said travel path.
 5. The method of claim 4,further comprising driving rotation of a pair of opposing pedals coupledto said chainring via a corresponding pair of opposing crank arms todrive rotation of said chainring and correspondingly said pair of rearwheels via said chain to drive travel of said mobile performance systemalong said travel path.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprisingoperating said steering assembly to steer said mobile performance systemalong said travel path.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprisingpivoting a steering fork pivotally coupled to said frame and fixedlycoupled to said front wheel to pivot said front wheel about a pivot axisto steer said mobile performance system along said travel path.
 8. Themethod of claim 7, further comprising pivoting said steering fork via ahandlebar coupled to said steering fork.
 9. The method of claim 1,further comprising supporting a performance component with a supportelement coupled to a platform upper surface of said platform.
 10. Themethod of claim 9, further comprising supporting said performancecomponent configured as said performer with said support elementconfigured as a performer support element adapted for supporting saidperformer in a seated position while said mobile performance systemtravels along said travel path.
 11. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising supporting said performance component configured as a musicalinstrument with said support element configured as a musical instrumentsupport element.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprisingsupporting said musical instrument configured as a keyboard with saidsupport element configured as said musical instrument support element.13. The method of claim 1, further comprising amplifying sounds wavesgenerated by said performer during said performance with an acousticamplifier coupled to said platform.
 14. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising displaying a visual image with a visual display elementcoupled to said platform during said performance performed by saidperformer.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising displayingsaid visual image which is associated with said performance during saidperformance performed by said performer.
 16. The method of claim 15,further comprising displaying said visual image which comprises part ofsaid performance during said performance performed by said performer.17. The method of claim 15, further comprising displaying said visualimage which comprises an advertisement during said performance performedby said performer.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprisingdisplaying said advertisement which provides information regardingsubsequent performances by said performer during said performanceperformed by said performer.
 19. The method of claim 14, furthercomprising displaying said visual image which comprises an unchangingvisual image during said performance performed by said performer. 20.The method of claim 14, further comprising displaying said visual imagewhich comprises a changing visual image during said performanceperformed by said performer. 21-80. (canceled)